Firstly, a disclaimer, I'm no gaming expert. I would say my experience mostly consists of games of Mario Kart with my sisters circa 1997 but I have tried some new releases and I know that graphics have improved dramatically.

I tried the Oculus Rift DK2 and a program called Sightline: The Chair, which is designed to showcase the possibilities of the headset. It uses 3D graphics but is much more interactive.

The virtual reality headset was developed after its creators raised more than $2 million from crowd-funding in 2012, and since then they have released prototypes so game developers can be part of the design process.

Entering the virtual reality world means there are limitless possibilities.Source: Supplied

The headset itself feels quite heavy when you are wearing it but you don't notice it much once the program starts. It's designed to be plugged into your home computer and my experience was greatly enhanced by the use of some decent headphones.

Sightline: The Chair did not need any extra controls as the idea was to sit in a swivel chair (so you can take advantage of the 360 degree view - trust me you'll want to do this) and watch the world change around you. When you move your head, the landscape changes too, so you really feel as if you are exploring a surreal new world.

The graphics still look like a computer game version of reality but the sound and the fact that you control what you see makes you feel like you are actually in a game, which is quite a cool feeling. In a strange way, the virtual reality world seems like a legitimate world all of its own and it's quite exciting to think that in this place, anything is possible.

Sightline: The Chair is a fantastic way to get a taste of these possibilities as it features a series of scenes that merge from a peaceful field, which is quite relatable, into a rainy cityscape and at one stage turns into a weird spider web world. The transitions between each world are very subtle so seems quite natural.

The strange thing is, you know that the world is not real, it does not even look that real but it's hard not to actually react as if it is real.

Weird spider web world in Sightline: The Chair.Source: Supplied

At one stage I had to fight the urge to reach out and touch a large block that appeared next to me. I had to remind myself - it's not actually there.

One of the best scenes takes you into space where planets and asteroids whiz around you. It feels as if you are sitting alone on a chair floating through the galaxy and it is truly an amazing experience.

It feels real: Flying through the universe.Source: Supplied

After trying the Oculus Rift, I felt like I began to understand, for the first time, the potential that virtual reality technology offers and how much of a game changer it's going to be.

Designer Peter Gould, who purchased the kit that my boyfriend borrowed, said it was an exciting time for creative teams experimenting with the possibilities that the new technology offered.

Some even believe that one day it will be common for each individual to create their own virtual reality world and this will become a way for people to get to know each other, by experiencing each other's curated worlds.

"I'm certain it won't be long before virtual reality is commonplace in classrooms, boardrooms and homes so it's fun to be part of this early phase," Gould said. "The future looks very promising, especially if we can build compelling educational programs."

However, there's no question the technology requires more tweaks before it is ready for mass release.

While anyone is able to buy development kits for the Oculus Rift (the DV2 costs US$350) it is still in development phase and my boyfriend had to scour the internet for programs to play and spend time getting them to work the way they should.

Familiar one minute and surreal the next: The world of Oculus Rift.Source: Supplied

The experience can also leave you with a headache. I tried another program that positions you in a plane and the aim was to use a controller to fly through golden hoops suspended in the sky. Visually it looked amazing but I am terrible at manoeuvring and so my clumsy, jerky movements just gave me a bad headache after just a few minutes.

There was also a rollercoaster ride that I was not up to trying but which has got some funny reactions online and also a program where you can experience flying, which my boyfriend said was lots of fun.

For those who think that virtual reality is a gimmick that will never infiltrate our real lives, the Oculus Rift is a wakeup call. Facebook bought the company in July for more than $2 billion and it is getting closer to releasing a consumer product, recently releasing a new lighter device called Crescent Bay. There's no question that this is going to be the next big thing in entertainment. But hey, what would I know? I don't play computer games.

SHE has the world's most famous backside, so it's no surprise Kim Kardashian's husband is staking his claim.

The 33-year-old reality star shared a racy picture of her and husband Kanye West walking down a staircase in Paris, with 37-year-old West possessively gripping her derrière.

Kim gently rested her arm on the rapper's shoulder as he escorted her down the stairs.

The newlyweds are still in Paris for fashion week, but insiders say the pair have worn out their welcome.

Sources say the couple have been branded "fashion flu" by industry insiders for their headline-grabbing antics.

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They brought their one-year-old child North to a Balenciaga show, held up Lanvin's show for 40 minutes, got attacked by a Ukrainian prankster outside Balmain's show, and even revealed their collective cleavage.

"People are so mad about Kimye being here," a fashion insider sniffed to The New York Post, adding that Paris regulars are "fatigued with the whole family." (Kim's sister Kendall Jenner walked in Balmain's Paris show, and mumager Kris was also in town.)

The 26-year-old flew to Melbourne from her Gold Coast home for footy's biggest day and explained that after a big session drinking she just got carried away.

She was fined for stripping off in a corporate box.Source: Supplied

Shocked fans witnessed her nude antics.Source: Supplied

But sources told the Herald Sun that McCartney, who goes by the name Eva Darling and has worked for FHM, Playboy and Zoo, was paid to strip.

STRIPPER FINED OVER NAKED ROMP IN CORPORATE BOX

In a Hawthorn scarf, McCartney watched the game from the comfort of a corporate box believed to be owned by a prominent Melbourne building firm. After, she got her kit off, shocking nearby patrons, landing her in jail and earning her a $300 fine.

Police arrest the model.Source: Supplied

"It was a bet: I said if Hawthorn win, I'm getting naked. They won, and I got naked," she told the Herald Sun. "What a f---ing day, it was great."

One man who claimed to be in the box said McCartney was hired as an escort and promised double pay if she "got naked and cheered in front of "everyone".

During her out-of-control antics, she kicked and punched police who tried to arrest her, attacking one with a high heel and biting another on the finger. "F--- off, I don't have to tell you anything, you f---ing retard," she yelled before hitting one officer in the face.

Pictures of McCartney's routine flooded ­social media and sparked anger among AFL fans. AFL Fans Association spokesman Brian Clarke said he was disgusted by the return of the "blokey culture" to AFL.

Heather McCartney is a Scottish model.Source: Supplied

"It's a disgrace. It's the people's game and it's for families," he said. "This goes against everything the AFL has been trying to achieve. I hope the AFL come down hard on those who were behind this."

Spokesman Patrick Keane said the AFL had been unaware of the incident on the day. "But the behaviour was completely unacceptable to occur at an AFL game. The MCC is investigating further, and the AFL will await further information."

MCC spokesman Shane Brown said it would work with Victoria Police and the client to establish the circumstances, and appropriate action would be taken. "From the evidence available, we are very disappointed ... and are taking the matter seriously."

The former girlfriend of Numan Haider, the man shot dead after shooting two police.Source: Supplied

THE former girlfriend of terrorism suspect Numan Haider is reeling after his shock death.

Harder's friends, who knew him as Norman, have described how he went off the rails after the couple's split.

The Herald Sun has been in contact with the 18-year-old, but she and her family have asked for privacy. The newspaper has chosen not to name her. The girl's friends have said she was absolutely shocked by his attack on police and subsequent death.

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It is understood she attended Haider's funeral at the Afghan Mosque in Doveton on Friday. The family were said to have then left home for a few days to clear their heads.

The girl's well-respected family live in Endeavour Hills, the same suburb Haider grew up in and where he was fatally shot by police last Tuesday after he stabbed two policemen with a knife.

Police and Muslim leaders have called for calm.

The girl and Haider both attended the same high school, Lyndale Secondary College, where it is believed they began dating.

It is claimed Haider had been "radicalised" by extremist group Al-Furqan and was recently seen waving an Islamic State flag at Dandenong Mall.

Despite earlier reports that they were married, the Herald Sun has been told that is incorrect.

A neighbour said the ex-girlfriend's family were good people.

"They are quiet, they looked after the place, I think they're away now since all this has happened," he said.

He recalled about six months ago giving a young man and his neighbour's daughter a jump-start when his car would not start, but he was unsure if it was Haider.

"I saw the photo in the paper and it wasn't someone I immediately recognised, but he may have recently shaved his head," he said.

"I was aware of the car coming and going all the time, I actually thought that he lived there.

"He wasn't one of those that used to tear up and down the street, and we've got a few of them. I didn't really speak to her but he was always very respectful."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are 'very pleased to announce' they are expecting their second child.

Born to rule ... Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show off their new-born baby George, in July 2013. Picture: Leon NealSource: AFP

WITH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting a second child, speculation is mounting as to what name they will choose.

Royal biographer Andrew Morton, who penned the life story of the late Princess of Wales, has stepped into the fray, telling the Sun on Sundaythat a daughter would be named Elizabeth Diana Windsor.

Great expectations ... Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during one of her last public appearances before needing time off due to acute morning sickness. Picture: Oli ScarffSource: Getty Images

"Close friends to William and Kate have told me that if it is a girl they want to name the baby after Diana," Morton says. "They discussed girls' names before George was born and now they're hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honour William's mother. They're not too thrilled at the thought it will be shortened to Princess Di. But it won't change their minds."

Morton also speculated that reversing the names - to Diana Elizabeth - would displease royals who were still smarting from the "hostility" between the Princess of Wales and the royal family.

Sign of respect ... Prince William (front) would like to name a daughter after his mother Diana - pictured holding Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Tim GrahamSource: Supplied

Meanwhile, Royal aides have told the Mail on Sunday that the Duchess will return to official duties next month, after suffering from acute morning sickness: "There will be engagements in October and November. We just haven't announced them yet."

Australian feminist commentator Germaine Greer has weighed in on the Duchess's recent health challenges, telling Newsweek Europe: The girl is too thin. Meanwhile, she is vomiting her guts up and shouldn't have been made to go through all this again so soon. It's not so much that she has to be a womb, but she has to be a mother. I would hope after this one she says, 'That's it. No more'."

"Kate is a great deal more intelligent than the rest of the royals. She has been put in charge of William. She has a bastard of a job," she says.

Happy family ... Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum in July. Picture: John StillwellSource: Getty Images